Izmir - Çigli / Kakliç

1General

Not surprisingly, with two airfields so close to each other, some spots actually permit to watch flying activities at both airfields simultaneously. Çigli is definitely the more challenging base in terms of platform views, whereas Kakliç is a very open airfield with many opportunities, but virtually no places to hide.... Usually, many flying activities are taking place, so you do not have to stay in the same spot too long.

2Combined northern approach

Travelling north on the D550/E-87, turn left in the village of Ulucak across the railway line. At the next T-junction turn left, this road leads under the northern approach. When both airfields active, simply position yourself between the northern approaches. Park your car on one of the dirt roads to your left, well-hidden behind the reedmarshes. The spot is good for reading serials, for pictures, choose either spot 2 or spot 3.

3Çigli - northern approach

Coming from spot 1, head back to Ulucak for about 1 mile untill a ninety degree right turn can be made. Continue for about half a mile on this road. You are now east of the Çigli approach, an excellent spot for taking pictures of aircraft landing at Çigli. As with spot 1, pick your favoured position behind the reedmarshes.

4Kakliç - northern approach & platform

Kakliç' northern approach is very open, just keep heading west from spot 1. The main challenge here is to hide your car and to cross the canal to your right, so you are invisible from the base. This spot is great for landing shots of aircraft inbound for Kakliç. When aircraft are lined up for departure, you might want to try a hit and run at the fence. A little further on the same road, a hit and run to read off aircraft parked on northern platform is possible.

5Çigli - northern platforms

Entering the village of Kakliç from the north, you will find a fork in the road just after passing a small bridge. The main road heads to the right, instead take the left. Past the village, turn left at the unpaved intersection. This road heads towards Çigli's west fence, you will probably need a few spots here to read off codes of the aircraft parked on the north eastern platforms, across the runway. Beware, this spot is rather tricky, so just hit and leave.

6Kakliç - southern approach & platform

Kakliç' southern platforms can be viewed by turning right at the intersection just south of the main square in Kakliç village. Find yourself a quiet spot along the road and read off the aircraft parked on the platform. If you feel comfortable here, this spot also gives good views of aircraft using Kakliç' southern approach.

7Çigli - west side shelters & platform

Another spot, just for the brave-hearted. Just after leaving Kakliç village, there's a dirt road to your left heading towards Çigli's west fence. Turn right at the T-junction and go as far as your nerves allow you to. From here you will have views of the shelter area and a platform can be found on your right. Just hit and run.

8Kakliç - southern approach

Coming from spot 5, just continue towards the junction with the road passing the southern approaches. Cross this road and you find yourself a spot where you can stay for a while to watch the aircraft on finals for Kakliç from the south.

9Çigli - west side southern approach

Just before reaching Çigli's southern approach from Kakliç, there's a dirt road on your right. Take this road and go ahead until you are invisible from the guardtowers. In June 2011, a large crowd was obviously happy with this location as a photo spot, at least in the first 200 m from the main road.

10Çigli - east side southern approach & platforms

Just past the approach, a major road that used to bend to the right can be found. The road is now blocked but you can park your car at the parking lot and watch the aircraft on finals for Çigli from the south. Alternatively, turn your vehicle around, head back towards the base and perform a hit and run on the southern platforms. You will be able to read off the codes from this road.